How to Stop Pasta From Sticking When Sauce Is Added

Proper preparation prevents pasta from sticking.

Starch in cooked pasta acts as a glue. By taking some measures, though, you can keep your pasta from sticking. Avoid the old advice of oiling or rinsing your pasta, as these measures keep the pasta from absorbing the flavor of the sauce. When a pasta dish is properly prepared, tossing it together is easy, because it won't clump together.

Things You'll Need

• 5 quarts water per 1 pound dry pasta
• Deep stock pot
• 1 pound dry pasta
• 2½ tablespoons salt (optional)
• Colander
• Serving bowl
• Pasta sauce
• Pasta forks or tongs

Instructions

1. Bring five quarts of water to a rolling boil in a deep stock pot over medium-high heat.

2. Add the dried pasta and salt to the boiling water, and stir the pasta until the water returns to a rolling boil.

3. Return the pasta to a full boil and cook according to your type of pasta until tender but slightly chewy (al dente).

4. Drain the hot pasta in a colander but do not rinse.

5. Pour the pasta and sauce into a serving bowl, and toss with the pasta forks or tongs immediately to coat the hot pasta. Serve at once.

References

• "The Science of Good Food"; David Joachim, Andrew Schloss; 2008.
• National Pasta Association: FAQs
• Fine Cooking: Cooking Pasta Properly

Resources

• Food Network: Pasta Recipes